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This vibrant cucumber tomato feta salad is my go-to for hot days when I want something crisp and hydrating with just enough salty richness to be satisfying. The mix of juicy vegetables and creamy feta cheese creates a refreshing dish that always brings a taste of summer to the table.
The first time I served this on a picnic, the entire bowl disappeared before anything else and now my friends always ask for the recipe every time we gather.
Ingredients
- Persian cucumbers: help the salad stay extra crisp since they have thin skin and fewer seeds choose firm ones
- Cherry tomatoes: bring bright color and juicy sweetness use ones that feel heavy for their size which means they are ripe
- Red onion: thinly sliced for a gentle bite mild and not overpowering look for glossy skins
- Feta cheese crumbles: add briny creaminess pick a high quality block of feta and crumble just before using for best texture
- Fresh dill: gives a pop of herbal freshness chop just before adding for boldest flavor
- Extra virgin olive oil: brings everything together with its fruity notes use a fresh bottle for best aroma
- Salt and pepper: enhance and balance all the flavors season right before serving and remember feta is salty so use salt sparingly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Using a sharp knife slice the Persian cucumbers into thin rounds cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the red onion as thinly as possible this ensures every bite has a little bit of everything and the flavors combine nicely
- Prepare Feta and Herbs:
- Crumble the feta cheese with your hands or a fork this creates varied pieces that hold onto the other ingredients chop the fresh dill finely to distribute its flavor throughout the dish
- Toss the Salad:
- Add the sliced cucumbers cherry tomatoes and red onion into a large bowl sprinkle with crumbled feta and chopped dill drizzle across the olive oil then season lightly with salt and pepper
- Mix and Serve:
- Use two large spoons to toss everything together gently be careful not to crush the tomatoes serve straight away while the ingredients are at their freshest
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My favorite part is the scent of fresh dill as you mix it with the cool cucumbers and tomatoes it always reminds me of my grandmother’s garden and sunny lunches spent with cousins under the trees.
Storage Tips
To keep leftovers at their best store the salad in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within twenty four hours The longer you wait the more the fresh vegetables will soften and the salad will release liquid If you like a crisp texture chop veggies ahead and mix just before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
English cucumbers can replace Persian cucumbers if that is what you have on hand For cherry tomatoes any ripe small tomato works well White or sweet onions can be swapped for red but their flavor is milder If dill is hard to find fresh mint or parsley create a similarly fresh effect
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for an easy summer meal Try it nestled into pita bread with hummus or as a vibrant topping for grain bowls It is also a standout on potluck tables because it adds color and crunch
Cultural Context
Versions of cucumber and tomato salads are found all around the Mediterranean and Middle East They capture the spirit of simple cooking using what is fresh and abundant I love how a few quality ingredients can create something so memorable
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use English cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers can be used in place of Persian cucumbers. Just slice them thinly for the best texture and flavor.
- → How can I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Mix the ingredients just before serving. The salt and feta will draw liquid from the vegetables the longer they sit together.
- → What herbs can substitute for dill?
Chopped fresh parsley or mint can work well as substitutes, each lending a unique twist to the dish.
- → How long does this salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
For best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad within a day. After that, the vegetables will soften and release extra liquid.
- → Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?
Crumble firm tofu with a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a plant-based alternative to feta.
- → Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, slice and chop the vegetables and herbs in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving.